6 Home Upgrades Retirees Should Make If They Plan To ‘Age in Place’

Not all Americans know where they want to live out their retirement . Some may want to downsize in another city to cut on costs or relocate to be closer to family members. But many people intend to grow old and spend the rest of their lives in the home they already occupy. This is called “aging in place” and it’s actually the preference of most retirees.

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Aging in place can be a smart financial move, particularly if you own your home and have already paid off your mortgage. However, it’s important to keep in mind that as you age, certain physical activities that you may take for granted now could become challenging. If you intend to age in place, plan to make essential upgrades to your home so that it will meet your needs as those change or intensify.

GOBankingRates spoke with real estate and home renovation experts to explore six home upgrades retirees should make if they’re planning to age in place — and how much these upgrades roughly cost .

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Walk-In Showers

As people age, they may develop balance issues or lose muscle mass. As a result, they can be at high risk for falling, especially in slippery territory like the bath or shower. Therefore, it’s recommended that you install a walk-in shower.

“Swapping out your old bathtub for a walk-in or curbless shower is a great way to prevent trips and falls,” said Michael Valente, co-founder and CEO at Renovation Sells . “It’s also much easier to access, so you don’t have to worry about stepping over the edge of a tub.”

According to Angi , the cost of putting in a walk-in shower ranges between $1,150 and $8,000.

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Comfort-Height Toilets

Swiftly sprinting up from a sitting position can be tougher once you’re elderly. This can mean major trouble when you sit on a low toilet, so installing comfort-height toilets is a key upgrade.

“These are a bit taller than standard toilets, which makes them easier to sit down on and get up from,” Valente said. “It’s especially helpful for easing strain on the knees and back.”

This is a relatively affordable upgrade. According to Home Depot , the average cost of toilet installation or replacement ranges from $185 to $400.

Grab Bars

Another important upgrade is installing grab bars — particularly in bathrooms. “Adding grab bars in bathrooms provides extra support where you need it most,” Valente said. “Make sure to select them in the same collection as your other plumbing fixtures so the space is cohesive while offering an extra layer of safety.”

The average cost per grab bar ranges from $150 to $400.

Lever-Style Door Handles

Older folks may lose some mobility, particularly if they develop arthritis. Because of this, it’s wise to swap out standard round door knobs with lever-style door handles.

“Lever-style handles are much easier to use for individuals with arthritis or limited hand strength,” said Erwin Miciano, real estate investor and founder of Semi Homes . “They require less force and can even be operated with the elbow in a pinch. Plus, lever handles come in a variety of finishes, so retirees won’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality.”

On Amazon, you can get a six-pack of level-style door knobs for around $68.

Insulation (Especially for Floors)

Retirees living on a fixed income should take the time and spend the money to insulate their homes — and pay extra attention to the floors.

“Poorly insulated floors can cause drafts and higher energy bills,” said Gordon Chalk, managing director at Next Level Underfloor Heating and Screed Solutions . “By upgrading to better insulation materials, especially beneath flooring systems, you can stay warm, lower your heating bills and avoid cold floors in winter — good for both comfort and long-term savings.”

The cost of floor insulation ranges from $2.99 to $3.05 per square foot, according to Homewyse .

Widened Doorways for Accessibility

Franklin Ivy, owner of Sound Homebuyers , believes that one of the most important structural changes retirees should consider is widening doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs.

“As mobility becomes a concern, narrow doorways can make it difficult to move freely throughout the home,” Ivy said. “This upgrade ensures that if a retiree needs to use a mobility aid in the future, their home will already be equipped to handle it.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 6 Home Upgrades Retirees Should Make If They Plan To ‘Age in Place’